Today was another day of contrast and juxtaposition. After arriving yesterday in a light rain and midst shrouding the village of Namche Bazaar, the morning arrived clear with high clouds and lower valley fog. Breaking the rules we opened our window to let the cool air of the morning in and gaze at the sheer slopes surrounding this hamlet etched into the mountain side. From the comfort of our sleeping bags and thick blankets my roommate and I pondered the effectiveness of starting morning with a meditative practice as a way of clearing one’s mind and preparing oneself for the day. From the refrain of “we live in a beautiful world” from Coldplay’s “Don’t Panic” on my iPod, I heard a low and prolonged “ohm” chant from close by. Pulling out my earphones I was surprised to realize it was coming from my roommate. Surprised due to the fact that he is one of the most devoted people I know to a western religion common to our home area.

A knock on our door soon brought morning tea and wash water to our room in the middle of the Himalaya. A breakfast of fried eggs, home fries and toast rounded otherwise western breakfast in a sun room with a spectacular view of sheer snow and ice covered mountains and a sleepy mountain community. All that to the background sounds of languages from throughout the world. A short morning stroll revealed apple strudel, chocolate danishes and cappuccinos all at the local internet café where they watch the English Premier League every weekend.